March 21, 2013

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HI: 77o LOW: 65o

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SHSU Brass Choir showcase versatility and power on stage.

� e Houstonian’s Best of Contest is here. Find out who our readers chose! P2 P3

P4Iraq War 10th Anniversary: America should learn from its mistakes.

www.HoustonianOnline.comVolume 123 / Issue 16 � ursday, March 21, 2013

SHSU Brass Choir showcase versatility and power on stage.

� e Houstonian’s Best of Contest is here. Find out who our readers chose!

Visit our website!www.

HoustonianOnline.comFollow us today! @TheHoustonian

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

SHSU student recruited to give extra life to popular video game, hopes to get published

“I’ve always been interested in things where you gave a deep level of customization and design.”

Maxwell Giddens, junior computer science major, makes maps and mods for videogame company Valve’s Portal 2, a physics based puzzle videogame that requires players to use momentum and their minds to complete levels. His work alongside renowned community developer Doug Hoogland has been published on � e New York Times’ Bits blog and other gaming websites.

Giddens works in a program called Hammer. � e program allows him to create levels inside Valve’s source engine so players around the globe can enjoy the fruits of his imagination.

“It’s not just Portal, it’s the source engine,” Giddens said. “It’s not only used for editing games. You can completely build a game from the ground up. So, the idea is to get used to engines. It’s a springboard of getting to know how to build games on a broad scale.”

Giddens met Hoogland in

spring 2012 and has been working with him ever since on projects such as a mod for Wibi.

“We were hired to create a mod for Portal 2,” Giddens said. “� e company contacted Doug initially, and [he] asked me to help him out. He was building the single player campaign, and it was a lot of work. Because of the time crunch, he asked me to build the multiplayer.”

� eir � rst collaborative mod was released in January 2013 and picked up by PC Gamer and Kotaku, both major names in gaming news.

Hoogland said that Giddens’ talent was above par when compared to other map makers of his caliber.

“� e logic and design behind [his levels] was amazing,” Hoogland said. “… Especially for someone who [at the time] had hardly touched the tools.

“It was really an honor to see somebody recognize and promote the hours I put in trying to make this the best I could,” Giddens said.

Giddens’ partner Hoogland is also well known for building another custom campaign that was created as a marriage proposal for Portal 2 fan Gary Hudston. Hoogland has been working with

Valve’s source engine for more than six years.

As for Giddens’ work, he has only published a few maps. However, he has more than 5,000 hours of work with the game and development tools.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Giddens said. “I keep a lot of work to myself. Much of the stu� I’m working on is tied up in projects for mods that haven’t been released yet. A lot of my solo work is on the back burner right now.”

Giddens and Hoogland are working on a mod together and hope the have it published by 2014.

JAY R. JORDANSenior Reporter

Judge allows civil rights abuse case against UPD to continue

A former student who � led a lawsuit against Sam Houston State University and the University Police Department alleging civil rights abuses stemming from a forceful arrest had his day in court saved by a judge’s decision.

Aman Abdulaziz’s lawyer, N. Patrick Ngwolo, � led the proper documents explaining his previous late � ling, and the court has accepted it on March 1 despite SHSU’s e� orts to dismiss.

Ngwolo had failed to turn in the Motion Leave of Court by Jan. 25, but the court gave him another extension of Feb. 6 to do so.

Ngwolo then � led his Motion Leave of Court on Feb 6. saying that the reason for the late document was because Abdulaziz had not served all of the appropriate parties named in

the lawsuit. SHSU tried to get the court

to strike Abdulaziz’s response from the record because Ngwolo was demonstrating “excusable neglect.”

U.S. Southern Disrict Judge Keith P. Ellison accepted Ngwolo’s Motion Leave of Court.

Abdulaziz alleges that he was beaten before being taken to the police headquarters, according to court documents. He said the police originally charged him with three crimes while at the scene of the incident; possession of marijuana, tampering with evidence and evading arrest. Abdulaziz was found not guilty of a fourth charge, assaulting a police o� cer, close to a year later.

A� er Abdulaziz � led the lawsuit against the university, SHSU � led a motion to dismiss on Dec. 19. SHSU’s lawyer, Michael J. Patterson, Assistant Attorney General of Texas, said

Abdulaziz’s motion should be dismissed because the plainti� did not provide evidence that he was unfairly treated and that SHSU has immunity against the lawsuit. Patterson also claimed that the original complaint in the lawsuit was not clear on what the claim against SHSU was.

Abdulaziz amended response to SHSU’s motion to dismiss listed all of the facts including that there is a dashboard video of what happened. He also said he is suing the City of Huntsville because they have been, “deliberately indi� erent to the need for training.”

Abdulaziz’s reason for suing UPD and SHSU is because of their “need to train o� cers in the constitutional limitations on the use of deadly force.”

Ngwolo did not return repeated calls and emails for comment by press time, and Patterson declined to comment.

MOLLY WADDELLNews Editor

OUTCRY. � is photo shows Aman Abdulaziz a� er UPD o� cers allegedly beat the former student in 2011. Abdulaziz is suing SHSU, UPD and the City of Huntsville for civil rights abuse and failure to train o� cers correctly.

Provided by Isiah Carey | Fox 26

Embattled senators avoid impeachment

Tuesday’s eventful Student Government Association meeting ended with little action on big issues. � e proposed impeachment of presidential candidate Sen. Mike Apt (COCJ) by Sen. Robert Ferguson (CS) failed to receive the required 2/3 vote by the senate, along with four other impeachment proposals against senators with fewer charges.

� e charges against Apt included a dress code violation, a chamber rules violation, multiple unexcused absences, failure to report o� ce hours, failure to attend the mandatory informational workshop for new senators, and dereliction of duty, according to Senate documents.

Ferguson wrote in the impeachment letter that Apt’s dereliction of duty was showing up late to Bearkat All Paws In and then “[electing] to talk to his fraternity brothers rather than help.” Apt said that he was under the impression that Sen. Cristan Shamburger (CHSS) permitted him to do so, but Shamburger denied that claim during the meeting.

During the discussion of his impeachment, Apt said why he thinks his impeachment was proposed.

“I � nd it really odd that as soon as I start campaigning, I get impeached,” Apt said. “Be that as it may, I apologize if there are things in here that truly o� ended you like my dress code and the food and all these thing. I honestly do apologize.”

Ferguson said that his intentions for the impeachment had nothing to do with the election.

“Let me make it very, very clear,” Ferguson said. “� is has nothing to do with elections because I am not running for any position or anything else.”

Ferguson said that because of

his military background, he lived by the rules and saw Apt breaking them.

“We are held to a higher standard,” said Ferguson. “If we cannot follow the rules then how are we supposed to expect everybody else to follow them? … � e All Paws In incident was the � nal straw for me.”

Various SGA members mentioned that this was not the � rst time Apt has been brought up on impeachment charges, and that his apology Tuesday night was similar to the one he gave last semester a� er being acquitted of similar charges.

“What Mike said at the end of that meeting was the same thing he said last time,” said Attorney General Josh Beaman. “I say this in support of neither candidate.”

Presidential candidate and chief of sta� Ramiro Jaime commented on the proposed impeachment and adequacy of Apt as president.

“[Apt] got impeached last [semester] for the same thing,” Jaime said. “How did [he] not know the rules the second time around? And also, [he] wants to be president?”

Apt said on Wednesday that he talked to Rules and Regulations Chief Steven Perry about making up the mandatory meetings he missed.

“I’m involved in a lot of di� erent student organizations,” Apt said. “I’m not just in the house of SGA… It’s di� cult to get in there and attend everything. But I’m making a commitment.”

CAMPAIGN INFRINGEMENTS

According to anonymous SGA o� cials, Apt broke campaign rules before Tuesday’s meeting by campaigning in the SGA O� ce located in the Lowman Student Center.

� e SGA Election Code states in Article VI Section I that “in all SGA sponsored elections, usage


— SGA, page 6

Jay R. Jordan | The Houstonian

Provided by Maxwell Giddens

houstonianonline.com/news

Thursday, March 21, 2013 News

Best of Huntsville 2013FOOD

Best Jewelry - Ernst Jewelers

BurgerMr. Hamburger918 11TH STREET

The burgers are the juiciest and are full of grilled �lavor.

Best Burger - Mr. Hamburger

PlacesBest Dessert - Farmhouse Cafe

Best Chicken Fried Steak - McKenzie’s BBQ & Burgers

Shops

Resturant AtmosphereYummy Yummy3006 Highway 30 W

Yummy yummy is very relaxed and they have eye catching decor.

Resturant ServiceFarmhouse Cafe

112 11th Street

The servers are always helpful and food gets out really quick.

Soul FoodFarmhouse Cafe

112 11th Street

The food is the ideal southern food.

Chicken Fried SteakMcKenzie’s BBQ & Burgers

1548 11th Street; Suite 101

It had a perfect batter to gravy ratio.

Happy Hour FoodPotato Shack

2220 Avenue I

The potatos are good at any time but best during happy hour.

Happy Hour DrinkHumphrey’s

1930 Sam Houston Ave.

Great drinks at a great price.

French FriesFive Guys

255 Interstate 45 S; Suite F

The perfect seasoning and just the right crunch.

ChineseYummy Yummy3006 Highway 30 W

Fantastic food all around.

ChainOlive Garden

225 Interstate 45 S

Italian food chain, worth every penny.

DessertsFarmhouse Cafe

112 11th Street

Big slices of pie that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Late Night FoodWhataburger140 Interstate 45 S

Open 2am always good for the late night food run.

Tex-MexMargaritas

630 Interstate 45 N

Good salsa and great margaritas.

Best Happy Hour Drink & Patio

Best Haircut - Facemaker

Best Antiques

Date NightThe Homestead

1215 19th Street

A perfect place to have a romantic evening.

CoffeeStarbucks2008 Avenue J

There are always new drinks that follow the Starbucks trend; good.

Sandwich5 Loaves Deli

1329 University Ave.

The bread is the best part!

BarStardust Lounge

115 University Ave.

Nice place to relax and have a nice drink.

PoolSHSU Rec

801 Bowers Blvd.; Suite 162

The pool is always there with a nice deck to tan or lanes to workout.

Basketball CourtSHSU Rec


Indoor and there is always someone to play.

Dog HangoutHuntsville State Park

40 Park Ln.

Great place to take your dog hiking.

CampgroundHuntsville State Park

40 Park Ln.

Beautiful area and great staff.

GymSHSU HKC


It’s free and there are many machines to use.

Place to People WatchLSC Mall

In front of LSC

There is always something going on

Cheap DateHuntsville MoviesFinancial Plaza; Suite 3

Nothing beats a $5 new movie.

PatioHumphrey’s


Spacious and clean.

Dance FloorShenanigans1548 11th Street

Best place to dance especially on quarter night.

Thrift ShopNew Life Resale


They have the best display.

Tattoo ParlorFN Classy

335 State Highway 75 N

There is always a wait for a reason.

Nail SalonTango Nails


Nails done at a good price with great service.

TanningBearkat Tan2222 Avenue I

Friendly service and a great tan.

BookstoreHasti ngs

1710 11th Street

Movies, books, all types of music and novelties you could want.

Car WashWish Wash

3015 11th Street

Cleaning your car is a hassle, but they make it easy.

VeterinarianHuntsville Pet Clinic

2902 Montgomery Rd.

The vets are great, they get you in and out quickly and always know how to �ix your pet.

JewleryErnst Jewelers1115 12th Street

Aesthetically pleasing, name brand jewelry.

MechanicChad’s Auto Repair2307 Sam Houston Ave.

Great service with a good price.

HaircutFacemaker

1105 12th Street

Great quality haircuts and color.

Antiques12th Street Anti ques

1111 12th Street

Beautiful antiques, whether you are there to shop or browse.

ApartmentsThe Villas

1615 Sycamore Ave.

Great townhomes for students.

BoutiqueTickled Pink1004 14th Street

Everything is cute.

Services

Our readers have spoken and voted for their favorite food, places, shops, services

Business StaffEditorial StaffMolly Waddell

A&E Editor

[email protected]

Matt FrazierOnline News [email protected]

Sophie NelsonSenior [email protected]

Connor HydeSports [email protected]

Paty MasonBusiness [email protected]

Stacy HoodAdvertising [email protected]

George Mattingly

News Editor

Misti JonesViewpoints Editor

Robin JohnsonFaculty Adviser

Stephen [email protected]

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Cody LewisSports [email protected]

Tuesday’s Issue Friday at 5 p.m.Thursday’s IssueTuesday at 2 p.m.

Ad Deadlines

Christina MolinaDelivery [email protected]

Monty SloanCopy Editor Steve Sears

Account ExecutiveStaff

ReportersMorgan Mears

Carian Parker

Kassidy TurnpaughAccount Executive

Jamie GiglioAccount Executive

Estefania TorresAccount Executive

Corbin GreenAccount Executive

Richard McKinney

Ryan Bowers

Thursday, March 21, 2013Viewpointshoustonianonline.com/viewpoints

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Kayla StallingsProduction Manager & Graphic Designer

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Just over ten years ago, March 20, 2003, a coalition, led by the US, invaded Iraq through Kuwait and headed to Baghdad to

topple Saddam Hussein’s regime. Times were different.

Just six months earlier, Kelly Clarkson had beaten that skinny guy with the Jheri curl to become the first American Idol. AOL Instant Messenger hadn’t yet ceded popularity to MySpace as the after-school online social activity of choice. “In Da Club” by upstart rapper 50 Cent was at the top of the Billboard charts. John Paul II was pope and LeBron hadn’t yet graduated high school. The Oakland Raiders, of all teams, had just lost a Super Bowl featuring halftime entertainment from Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting. Previously respectable people invited Big Mouth Billy Bass into their homes to adorn their walls and accost unsuspecting passersby with crude Al Green covers. Christ, 2003 was a long time ago.

Ten years ago, our troops entered Mesopotamia with the goal of ousting Saddam and his Ba’athist underlings, tracking down

his elusive weapons of mass destruction and leaving the country with some semblance of a stable democracy.

The first goal was easily met. Within nine months, Hussein was captured. After a lengthy trial, the people he had ruled over as a merciless tyrant executed him.

Hussein’s caches of WMDs were never found, if they even existed at all. This failure undermined the entire basis of the war and struck a blow to the confidence of American citizens that this bloody cause was justifiably necessary.

The third goal, to craft a free society out of the wreckage of decades-long tyranny was perhaps the most admirable, yet the past 10 years have proven it to be naïve. As a nation, if we learn anything from our travails in the fertile crescent, it should be that you can’t force the principles of democracy on a foreign people.

Far from perfect, our systems of civil liberties and representative government took centuries to develop and are still works in progress today. Yet in hubris, the neoconservative wing of the Bush administration thought we

could force these ideas upon a country with totalitarianism as its only recent memory.

At the time it seemed to make sense. We couldn’t just take out Saddam and bolt. That would create a power vacuum to be filled by worse human beings than Hussein. We had to build schools and roads, train diplomats and legislators, equip an army, craft uniform election law, etc.

The streets we built are now awash in the crimson blood of protestors and dissidents murdered by police and army units we helped outfit. The legislators we attempted to educate are engaging in the same boot-licking cronyism and corruption that ran rampant under Hussein’s rule.

At least we got the elections right, huh? In Iraq’s last parliamentary elections, in 2010, nearly 500 candidates were banned from even appearing on the ballot, because of their party identification. Election Day itself was marred by widespread violence, with one rocket attack on a Baghdad flat claiming the lives of 25 Iraqi citizens. In Mosul, insurgent attacks on polling centers injured 36 people and killed another.

The world is better with Saddam dead. He deserved to be executed after his late 1980s Kurdish genocide, but in the end, 4,409 American servicemen and women went to Iraq and never returned. The majority were killed after Saddam’s capture, during our “rebuilding” phase. As we reflect on the 10 year anniversary of the Iraq War, with another war, this time with Syria looming on the horizon, it’s important to consider whether a prolonged occupation is worth it.

Maybe our chief war-makers at the State and Defense Departments have become jaded with the pitfalls of spreading democracy and can embrace a “win and get out” approach. The citizens of Iraq would have hardly noticed the difference.

Iraq War’s 10th anniversary

COLIN HARRISStaff Reporter

Jay JordanSenior [email protected]

America should learn from its mistakes

Something is afoot in Weld County, Colo. Two recent

gun laws were passed and are awaiting the signature of Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. I, personally, don’t see a great issue with the laws; however, Weld County Sheriff John Cooke said that he would not enforce either bill, according to the Greeley Tribune.

House Bill 13-1224 would make it illegal to own large-capacity magazines. This, as defined in the bill, is any magazine that accepts or can be converted to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition of more than five shotgun shells. The bill will not be imposed upon those who already own the large-capacity magazines when the measure passes.

House Bill 13-1228 imposes a fee upon the person applying for a firearm for the instant criminal background check – which is pursuant

to the transfer of a firearm. The money that is collected from the fee will not be more than the cost of the background check and the money will be put into a background check cash fund.

Cooke is refusing to enforce the laws, saying they are “unenforceable” and would “give a false sense of security.” He also said that the laws are “feel-good, knee-jerk reactions” in response to recent national tragedies.

It seems though that Cooke, and those alongside him, are acting with a knee-jerk reaction. While it would be impossible to think that we can keep guns out of the hands of all criminals, Democratic Rep. Beth McCann, a sponsor on the bill said, “We are going to put a barrier there, make it more difficult for them.”

The larger issue here moves past guns. It goes beyond freedom. It hinges on what our justice system is about. Regardless of your views on gun control, the idea of police officers refusing to enforce one law, much less two, is absolutely absurd.

If you are unaware of the system of government America has allow me to enlighten you. America has a system of checks and balances – which is great. It offers a degree of certainty towards

getting the representation, justice and service we deserve.

People constantly throw around threats to democracy about various issues and problems but what is this? Police officers are meant to enforce the law. That is a requirement to hold that position – sheriffs are even more indebted to this duty.

It is not an officer’s duty to interpret the constitutionality of a given law. That is the responsibility of the judicial system – particularly the Supreme Court. If we allow officers to choose the laws they want to enforce, then there is no point in having the system we have.

This isn’t about abandoning what you believe in, I’m not asking anyone to. However, the officers’ duty is to serve America – not themselves. That is why they are unsung heroes. That’s what makes it a tragedy when one gets shot down in the line of duty. This isn’t because they simply refuse to do their job; the position that they swear to uphold in service of the democracy of America.

It is ridiculous that this is happening. If they don’t like the law, challenge it. File a suit to have it reviewed for constitutionality. In the interim, do your job.

Officers refuse to uphold gun laws

Growing up in the 1990s wasn’t horrible, from Tamagotchi pets to boy bands, we had a pretty amazing childhood. However, there are a few things from the 1990s that are questionable, such as Justin Timberlake’s bright blond, ramen noodle hair during his days in the popular boy band N’Sync. And while most of our childhood is pretty self-explanatory, there are a few things that your children are bound to ask you about someday. We may not have had the hardest childhood but we certainly did have one of the most interesting ones.

These are 10 of the things you will probably have to explain to your future children about growing up in the 1990s.

We didn’t always have Wi-Fi. Back in the day, you had to make sure no one was using the phone before you dialed up and started surfing Xanga and MySpace. Be sure to mention that sometimes you would have to get off to make a phone call and that you couldn’t use both the phone and the internet at the same time; your children will be in shock.

Using the phone wasn’t always so easy, instead of just sending the girl you had a crush on a text, you had to wait until you were home from school and then use the

landline to give her a call. To make matters worse, most of the time it was one of her parents that picked up the phone. How’s that for meeting the parents?

More than likely your children are going to start to wonder why you have so many small stuffed animals in a tote in the back of your closet. You’ll have to explain to them that they are Ty beanie babies and that you used to collect them because it was once the cool thing to do. Don’t forget to tell them that one day your beanie baby collection will be worth something… if their tags are still attached that is.

Topanga was once considered a normal, acceptable name for a girl. In fact, many teenage boys had a crush on girl next door, Topanga from Boy Meets World.

We used to carry around plastic little eggs that were known as our Tamagotchi “pets.” We would flip out if we forgot to feed them once because more than likely they would “die.” They were just like any other pet because you had to feed them, take them out and play with them just like you would for an ordinary dog or cat. The exception was that these eggs were digital pets that you played with on a small screen.

Long before I am Legend and Hitch, Will Smith was known as the “Fresh Prince of

Bel Air.” From teaching us that parents just don’t understand to delivering flawless catchphrases, Will Smith was the coolest guy on television.

We used to rent VHS movies. We didn’t just drive up to the closest Redbox or watch the latest movie on Netflix; we drove to the closest Blockbuster or Movie Gallery and picked up Space Jam or the latest movie that had just been released. Be sure to explain the struggle of putting in a VHS and then realizing that the person that had rented it before you failed to rewind it before returning it.

That we used to watch shows that were actually worth something, instead of constant “reality television.” We had The Magic School Bus, Wishbone and Reading Rainbow.

Why you are afraid of Furbies, and how “back in your day” they were just as creepy as they are now.

Two words: The Macarena. Be sure to show them the dance too.

From dial up to the Fresh Prince, 90s kids will have some explaining to do when they have children. We may not have been the coolest kids around, but our childhood was one of the most interesting and unforgettable.

Ten things 90s kids will have to explain to their childrenMORGAN MEARSStaff Reporter

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RICHARD MCKINNEYStaff Reporter

A Florida college student, James Oliver Seevakumaran, 30, was found dead in his apartment from an apparent suicide, along with a massive stockpile of assault weapons, ammunition and backpacks filled with bombs. The obligatory public outrage has set in and many have attacked the government and, of course, the National Rifle Association. Yet, they neglect to ask at least one very important question.

How did one person discretely collect enough weaponry to defend himself during a zombie apocalypse in a tiny apartment without being noticed? This man might as well have been starting his own militia and not a single person noticed his collection until he offed himself. Police rushed to the scene after the shooter’s roommate called 911. There they found a stockpile of bombs and the body of Seevakumaran.

How did the cashier think “I guess I’ll just ring up this jug of chlorine, copper wire, turpentine and car battery” without it immediately being followed by a call to Homeland Security?

Is banning all of these seeming mundane items going to prevent another madman from systematically destroying dozens of innocent lives? Banning guns wouldn’t have stopped him. This guy would have still been able to blow everything and everyone up. Taking away pool cleaner would be just about as effective as telling a toddler not to shove crayons up their nose. They’ll just find something else to use.

Thank God he was obviously confused on the process of committing mass homicide. Apparently no one sent him the memo that if you’re going to be a mass murderer, typically the rampage comes before you commit suicide.

I’m not trying to tell everyone how you’re suppose to go about a killing spree. Instead I am trying to put forth the point that the only thing that could have stopped him was himself. No one else had any idea that he was planning on murder-fucking the school. And really how can you stop something you had no clue about anyway?

Maybe you can prevent being slaughtered by some maniac by being nice to that really stressed-out creeposaurus in your Poli Sci class, or you could pay attention to the details. Try not to be so oblivious to your neighbors. Especially if it seems that he might be preparing for a zombie apocalypse.*Read full story at houstonianonline.com

Being aware can save your lifeKASSIDY TURNPAUGHContributing Reporter

R. McKinney discusses law enforcement officials who refuse to enforce possible laws

The SHSU Brass Choir will showcase the versatility of brass music and style in a variety of works in their fi rst concert of the semester, “La Forza di Brass” on Thursday.

Held in the Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, the group of 16 members will perform several pieces meant to highlight brass instruments including “La Forza del Destino” by Guiseppe Verdi and Anthony Plog’s “Concerto No. 1”. The concert will also feature several small ensemble performances such as a tuba and euphonium quartet, a brass quintet and a trumpet ensemble.

“La Forza” is an overture to an opera and begins with three strong, loud notes and works to showcase several styles and techniques that can be played on brass instruments.

The concerto works in modern rhythms and chords into the basics of brass music to make it a challenging, but accessible piece to play.

“Brass instruments are known for being loud and obnoxious,” Joseph Vranas, student co-director of the Brass Choir, said. “This concert is a way to show the

beauty of the instruments and that they can play loudly as well as lyrically and technically.”

Different from a regular ensemble of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion, the SHSU Brass Choir is made up of 16 members and only includes instruments in the brass family: trumpet, French horns, trombones,

euphoniums and tubas. The group was founded in the

1960s by former director of the School of Music, Fisher Tull, according to Vranas. After a hiatus of many years, the group was brought back to campus in 2009 by an SHSU alumnus.

This year, the group is led by student directors Vranas and

senior music education major Randy Laran, who are looking to expose their musicians and campus community to a different side of brass music.

“One of our goals is for the students to be able to learn a different way besides being part of a normal ensemble,” Vranas said. “In regular ensembles, the

professor usually doesn’t have time to work with everyone individually. What Randy and I are trying to teach them is to learn to play better without someone holding their hand.”

For members, being part of the Brass Choir is an opportunity to gain additional experience outside of the classroom.

“Since we’re all brass players, we get to play more repertoire for our instruments and put our spin on music versus being in a regular ensemble,” junior music performance major Nathan Wood said. “It’s defi nitely an advantage to play different music and to express ourselves.”

Other members said that while they have faced challenges, it’s all part of the learning experience.

“We had very little time to prepare and we’re playing some very technical and demanding pieces,” junior music education major Stephen Van Hooser said. “But we’re all able to handle it and looking forward to getting our name out there.”

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free for anyone to attend.

The Sam Houston State University dance honor society Chi Tau Epsilon proved to be dramatically talented with their exquisite performances Wednesday night at the Performing Arts Center Dance Theater.

XTE hosted this “Dances at 8” fundraising event to promote the dancing program across campus with performances and merchandise.

The program included a variety of dancing from more modern technique to dramatization.

Junior Allison Awylde, a clinical psychology major attended this event in support of a dance major friend and expressed her awe the performances.

“I liked the feeling and emotion that was put into the dance,” she said. “I used to dance so it was really cool to come back and see other people dance.”

After every dance piece the audience showed gratitude and appreciation to the performances by applauding and encouraging dancers to keep going.

Junior clinical psychology major Amber Franco was extremely impressed by the emotions of the performances.

“I really liked the couple dances, the duets, they were really interesting, they had a lot of

emotion, kind of strong,” Franco said.

After his performance junior dance major Otis Berry showed gratitude to SHSU and all that the dance program has done for him.

“I love the dance program, I’ve never felt so inspired to dance and to express myself as an artist and learn different styles to become more artistic in the art there is.” Berry said.

There were some messages to be given in some of the performances of the night.

Sophomore and dance major performer Raul Pardo expressed that the message in his dance was close to him.

“It’s actually a very personal message, it’s very much about the fact that sometimes when someone doesn’t want to be with you, it’s not your fault, maybe it’s their fault,” Pardo said.

Pardo also noted his appreciation to the late Jonathan Charles, to whom all performances of the night were dedicated.

“Everything I do will be dedicated to Jonathan Charles, he made me the dancer that I am....”There is another performance Thursday night in the PAC. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the door.

houstonianonline.com/a-e

Thursday, March 21, 2013Arts&Entertainment

Brass Choir to showcase versatility of music

“LA FORZA” : � e SHSU Brass Choir was founded in the 1960s by former director of the School of Music, Fisher Tull. � e group was brought back in 2009 and is now headed by music students Joseph Vranas and Randy Laran.

George Mattingly | The Houstonian

RUTH OVIEDO Contributing Reporter

Follow us today! @TheHoustonian

GEORGE MATTINGLYArts & Entertainment Editor

ZEKE OSBORNContributing Reporter

—RAIDER , page 6

Lara Croft is back and better than ever in Crystal Dynamic’s newest addition to the Tomb Raider franchise. Released on March 5, “Tomb Raider” is one of the best games in the series through its addition of gorgeous graphics, satisfying combat and its storytelling, specifi cally how an innocent college graduate transforms into the dual wielding tomb raider we all know and love.

The story begins with Croft fresh out of college and setting off on her fi rst big adventure aboard the ship the Endurance. Her expedition is on the hunt for an ancient civilization called Yamatai whose shaman queen, Himiko, is the ancestor to Lara’s friend and expedition camerawoman, Sam Nishimura. However, what begins as an exciting start to Lara’s new life quickly turns into a fi ght for survival as the crew is shipwrecked on a strange island inhabited by a crazed cult that burns women at the stake and kill any who do not follow their way of life.

At the start of the game, the player takes control of Croft in one of the worst predicaments possible, bound and hanging upside down above a rather dizzying drop. Realizing her only chance in escape lies with a nearby torch, Lara prepares for the inevitable pain as the fi re eats through her binds only to

be impaled by a stake through her side upon slamming into the ground.

In the fi rst fi ve minutes, the player witnesses the vulnerability of this heroine. Throughout the entire adventure, Lara will get shot, bruised, burned and covered in muck, all of which become visible on her body as the game progresses.

Unlike other games where such injuries or blood splatter eventually disappears, Lara will bandage wounds, wrap burned skin in order to alleviate the pain, and even self-cauterize in order to ensure she keeps moving towards her objectives.

This was a brilliant tactic used by Crystal Dynamics as it really proves their point that Croft is just another human being like the rest of us, one that can perform acrobatic stunts and hit any target no matter the distance. However, she is more realistic and in no way

invincible like her old installments made her out to be.

In addition to the physical trauma, the player also gets to experience Croft’s transformation from an innocent college graduate who has never taken a life before, to a self-confi dent, determined fi ghter.

The player can see the emotional wreck she becomes when killing her fi rst man. She had no choice as it was either that or die, yet she has no time to grieve as her life is constantly being placed within harm’s way and the only way to survive is to fi ght her way out.

As far as the gameplay, this game has mastered its Tomb Raider roots with a perfect balance of gunplay, platforming and puzzles. There is never any collision between two, or even three, of these mechanics that forces the player to feel overwhelmed.

Latest “Tomb Raider” outshines predecessors in graphics, storyline

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Audiences applaud emotion in dance

Free bases lingered into game two against Baylor University as a late game rally sparked the scoreless Bear lineup over theBearkats 4-1 Wednesday night.

Starting pitcher Tyler Eppler tossed five complete innings before the Bears’ front three capitalized two runs from two singles and a double into left center power alley to sever Sam Houston State’s 1-0 lead.

The Bearkat bullpen returned to their old ways after completing game one without issuing a walk to snap troubles on the mound from spring break to fall to the University of Connecticut and Dallas Baptist. Reliever Logan Boyd struggled another outing on the rubber, lasting 1/3 of an inning with a walk and an insurance run to extend Baylor’s lead.

Head Coach David Pierce said Eppler made early adjustments to keep SHSU within reach into the fifth inning until the sixth inning rally.

“Eppler was struggling early. He was really a one pitch guy; he could only hit with his fastball and I was really proud of the way he made quick adjustments,” Pierce said. “He did a good job of finding his change-up and finding his curveball, especially

his curveball, so he kept us in the game and pitched really well.”

Pierce attributed game two’s loss to another weak performance from the bullpen.

“We’ve got to match up some guys right now, it’s important for us to match up,” Pierce said.

Pierce circulated five pitchers in the series closer.

SHSU’s offense fizzed out early

after opening the first with two hits to drive in their first and only run of the night. Third basemen Dalton Perry connected twice but couldn’t find support from the bottom three of the Bearkat lineup. Of SHSU’s seven hits, the top to middle of the lineup supported the Bearkats’ offensive strike.

Despite the poor outing, Pierce said he remains positive going

into Friday’s first conference series against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

“This is a great series for us. I just thought it was a great two game series; we got the hits [Tuesday] night (4-2) and made a couple of plays late. They did it tonight,” Pierce said. “It gave us an opportunity to get our younger guys in there and I thought they

played adequate. But we’ve got enough arms to go into a two game series and I think we benefit from it.”

SHSU will square off against the Islanders for the first of a three game series to kick off their conference schedule Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Sixty-eight teams will play with different expectations of goals of glory in the NCAA Division 1 basketball tournament this month. For some teams a Final Four appearance will mark a successful season. For others, just appearing in the most unpredictable, championship deciding tournament in all sports is enough success for their school.

Arguably the most popular of all postseasons in all of sports at any level; March Madness has everything for the sports fan. Whether you like David beating Goliath, a team full of superstars beating up

on the class nerd, last second shots or relative unknowns making a name for themselves on national television, this tournament has it. There’s a reason that everyone who follows college basketball even the slightest, and many who don’t, create brackets deciding who will win and who will be upset.

B r a c k e t o l o g y has become so popular now, it i s estimated that more people make brackets than actually watch each round of the tournament. But before I divulge my bracket, let’s look at the true

contenders including who’s hot, who’s not and who’s prime to be upset.

There were a slew of questions before Selection Sunday about who would claim the four number one seeds in the tournament. Eventually Gonzaga,

Louisville, Indiana and Kansas claimed the spots. But they are far from the only teams that have what

it takes to win sixconsecutive games and claim a national championship. Michigan State, Duke, Ohio State, Georgetown and Miami (FL) all have the right pieces in place to win it all.

Then there are the upset teams, those David-esque schools that seem to have everything fall into place in these magical weeks in order to make a run that shocks everyone. George Mason, VCU and Butler are three teams in recent history who have started as high seeds and made deep runs all the way to the Final Four. Oregon, Minnesota and Creighton are three teams that could make deep runs in the tournament. Creighton is the highest seeded team out of these listed at seven.

What they lack in big name recognition they make up for in smart coaching and two relatively unknown stars. Doug McDermott began the season playing well enough to be the early favorite for player of the year. Although he slowed down by the middle of the season, if he can flip the switch and live up to his immense talent like the beginning of the year, the Creighton Bluejays can make a run. It also helps having one of the best unknown centers in the game in Gregory Echenique.

Oregon sits at the 12 seed, but they did win the Pac-12 tournament, and many analysts expected the Ducks to have a higher seed if not for their slide after their star point guard went down with an ankle injury. If they can get past Oklahoma

State in the 2nd round, they have a chance to make a deep run. Minnesota, as the 11 seed, stands probably the best chance of advancing. Led by Center Trevor Mbakwe, the Golden Gophers rank in the top 20 in most statistical categories defensively. They also have the easiest path of these three teams of reaching the Sweet Sixteen. They will play UCLA and Florida in the first two rounds, two teams that have struggled in the past few weeks.

I have only a few upsets brewing in the first round. The big ones are St. Mary’s over Memphis, Minnesota over UCLA, Iowa State over Norte Dame and Creighton over Cincinnati. In the round of 32 things heat up even less. Minnesota will beat Florida and Wisconsin will beat Kansas State. The games to watch in these two rounds are Wisconsin and Ole Miss, Illinois and Colorado, UNLV and California and Saint Louis and New Mexico State. All of these games appear to be toss ups with not a whole lot truly separating each team from the other.

In the Sweet Sixteen each of the higher seeds will win, including Michigan State beating Duke. The Elite Eight will be a different story, with Louisville being the only higher seed to win its game. The Final Four will consist of top overall seed Louisville vs. Georgetown, and Miami vs. Ohio State. Miami has the talent to win it all, but Ohio State’s Aaron Craft and physical defense will be too much for them to overcome. And while Louisville has been a top five team throughout the year, when Georgetown gets it going they have the best defense in the nation, evidenced by holding 20 teams during the season to 55 points or fewer. Also Otto Porter Jr., the favorite for player of the year, has the talent to carry a team offensively.

The championship game will be a defensive struggle pitting two of the top defenses in the nation in Georgetown and Ohio State, but the heroics of Otto Porter will propel the Hoyas to the championship 67-64.

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Kats split series with BaylorCONNOR HYDESports Reporter

March Madness sure to be memorable in 2013

NOT ENOUGH: Starting Pitcher Tyler Eppler pitched into the sixth inning allowing only two runs against Big XII opponent Baylor University Wednesday.Alex Broussard | The Houstonian

"

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Thursday, March 21, 2013

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Res life deals with mice problems in Estill Hall

Residence Life Main-tenance has received 15 reports of evidence of rats and large rodents in Estill Hall since December 2012, according to o� cial Res Life documents.

Assistant Director for Maintenance Facilities Je� Vienneau said that he and his team haven’t seen rats, but have only caught two � eld mice.

“For the longest time, we hadn’t found one,” said Vienneau. “We’re � guring it’s just one or two running around, because we’ve had the exterminator there and they haven’t found any-thing [else].”

One student who report-ed a rodent said that she thinks Res Life hasn’t done enough to take care of the pests. � e student chose to remain anonymous.

“It got to the point where my dad had to call the school,” said the student. “� ey said all that they could do is put down mouse traps.”

� e student also said that she laid food out on the trap in an e� ort to attract the ro-dent and catch it quicker.

Vienneau said that this wasn’t a good idea.

“We were having issues with having the girls – in this case in an all-girls dorm – leaving the glue traps alone,” said Vienneau. “� ey put so [many cookie crumbs] on the trap that there was no glue on the trap for the rat

or the mouse to get onto.”Vienneau said that during

maintenance’s Spring Break run through of the dorms, they had found multiple in-cidents of students inside Estill who had removed or stacked up the glue traps. He said that this delayed the process of capturing and dis-posing of the rodents.

Vienneau said that al-though there were 15 re-ports of rodents in Estill, they were all about the same rodent. He also said that Es-till is the only building with reports of rodents within the last two years, making the incident isolated.

If students witness any rodents inside the dorms, Resident Life urges them to � le a maintenance report online.


Apt’s o� cial campaign Facebook page was also in violation of the election code. Article VI Section B dictates “campaigning shall be open from the end of the required candidate meeting and shall extend until 8:00 a.m. the morning of the election.” Apt’s Facebook page was created on Sunday, March 17 prior to the required candidate meeting.

According to SGA o� cials, anyone, including those outside of SGA, can petition to have the election coordinator disqualify a candidate in violation of SGA Election Code.

Elections take place on April 3 and 4.

The game spaces out the three nicely that gives

each mechanic its due time within the campaign that allows the player to get the richest experience possible.

Graphically, this game is beautiful. The natural surroundings are pleasing to the eye and the random weather changes set the mood for any situation that the player may experience. They range from a more calm and sunny atmosphere to barely being able to see too far in front of you due to the dark, claustrophobic forest shrouded by heavy downpour.

That being said, Crystal Dynamics really focused on putting the most detail in Croft. Not only do clothes get ripped from gunfi re and sliding into cover, or dirt and blood splotches spread across her body depending on her actions, but there are also facial expressions that show even in the middle of combat. Lara will massage

sore muscles, check on bandaged wounds, and even move back stray strands of hair that have fallen into her face. It’s these tiny details that really separate average games from great games and “Tomb Raider” is a great game.

Throughout the game, players will earn skill points to spend on new abilities such as impressive dodge and kill maneuvers, larger carrying capacities for ammo, and insane fi nishing moves. None of the skills are really necessary in order to complete the main storyline, but they soadd to the overall experience and offer new, fun ways to take out your enemies.

Crystal Dynamics’ reboot of the tomb raiding legend is their best work in the series since taking on the “Tomb Raider” franchise in 2003, earning 5 out 5 paws.

SGA, page 1

RAIDER, page 4

March 21, 2013

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